7 things all parents need to know about Pokémon Go!

Kylie Matthews |
July 11, 2016

Pokémon Go has finally landed in Australia and everyone is going a bit Pokémon crazy! So what exactly are Pokemon? And is it OK to let your child to join in the fun? We've got the answers to all these questions and more right here ...

Welcome to the extraordinary new virtual world of Pokémon Go -an addictive new app that's blurring the lines between reality and fantasy with its use of augmented reality technology and, in the process, causing the world to go into a Pokémon Frenzy!

You think I'm being overly dramatic, don't you? I'm not. Pokemon Go was launched just last week in Australia, New Zealand and the USA and further rollout is currently suspended due to overwhelming demand. That's right! It is TOO popular and is breaking the game's servers.

For those not in the know, Pokémon Go may appear to be a game exclusively for kids, but the reality is there's more adults playing this interactive game than children. Which makes it important for parents to get up-to-speed with what it is and how it works to ensure our kids remain safe while joining in the fun.

Because fun is the only way to describe Pokémon Go, which is destined to go down in history as THE biggest social phenomenon of 2016.

1. What are 'Pokémon'?

Pokémon - 'pocket monsters' - are small, fictional creatures with their own set of unique talents, quirks and attributes. They are collected by Pokémon Trainers who capture them and train them up to use in battle against other Trainers.

Pokémon were created by Japanese video game programmer Satoshi Tajiri and first featured in two hugely popular Nintendo Game Boy video games in 1996, giving rise to what is now considered to be the second most successful game-based franchise of all time (Mario Brothers takes out first place).

The success of the Pokémon video games of the mid-90s gave rise to an extensive array of other games, products and media, including trading cards, an iconic cartoon series, feature-length movies and branded merchandise in every conceivable guise.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Pokémon, which the franchise is celebrating with the release of the virtual game Pokémon Go, along with a number of other exciting new Pokémon games and initiatives.

2. How do you play Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go is a free downloadable app that connects with your mobile phone's GPS signal. This provides users with a real-time map of their current location that also identifies the whereabouts of wild Pokémon and interactive 'gyms' - or meeting places - nearby. Players, also known as Pokémon Trainers, must collect these Pokémon by getting outside and exploring their environment - a wonderful incentive for players to get off the couch and out into the real world!

After catching Pokémon, Trainers 'power up' their Pokémon and use them in battle against other Pokémon Trainers at one of the many 'gyms' identified on a GPS map in the game that locates these meeting places in a nearby real-world location.

3. How much does it cost?

The Pokémon Go app is free at the AppStore and Google Play but in-app purchases of PokéCoins are available. This is the game's currency, which can be exchanged for power-ups, extra items and other enhancements. Regardless, you actually don't need to spend any money when playing Pokémon Go to enjoy it.

But ... you know what kids are like! If they're using your phone to play the game, ensure you have your iTunes or Google Play account password-protected so they can't bypass Mum or Dad's OK to play and pay. Otherwise, you may just have an 'APP ATTACK' next time you get your credit card statement!

There's also an accessory coming soon called a Pokémon Go Plus bluetooth wristband, which alerts players that aren't on their smartphones when a Pokémon is nearby with a flash of LED lights and vibration.

4. What do you need to play the game?

This game is optimised for smartphones. If you have an iPhone (iOS 8.0 or later) or an Android (V4.4 - 6.0) with a GPS and strong data connection, you'll be able to play. You may be able to use a tablet (or iPad) if connected to a data network (3G or 4G) but players may have GPS issues if using WIFI. In fact, it's recommended to play while connected to a network because the game relies on accurate location information that WIFI can't provide.

Pokémon Go is a high-use battery game so you may notice that using it often will result in you needing to charge your phone more often.

5. Is my child too young to play Pokemon Go?

The age recommendation on the AppStore and Google Play for Pokémon Go players is 9+ years because of "Infrequent/Mild Cartoon or Fantasy Violence".

But after reviewing the game, I decided it was safe enough for my almost-seven-year-old daughter to play under adult supervision. Using my iPhone, together we head off on Pokémon adventures - at the post office this morning she found one in our car - and this afternoon we discovered one hanging out near our sleeping cat!

My daughter isn't all that interested in battling Pokémon at this stage but she adores finding and collecting those that appear around her!

6. What are some of the potential dangers?

Pokémon Go requires users to get outside with a smartphone, walk the streets in search of Pokémon and battle with other trainers. Depending on the ages and stages of your kids, this may not be a viable or indeed a safe option.

Not all kids have their own smartphone or indeed the data allowance required to play the game. Nor might they be mature enough to be unaccompanied by an adult. Safety concerns may include walking intro traffic while looking at their smartphone, getting lost and interacting with people who would do them harm.

But by applying some common sense and setting boundaries for kids, parents can be assured that their child can enjoy this fun interactive game while minimising any of the possible dangers.

7. Just how social is Pokemon Go?

Pokémon Go's appeal extends far beyond the kids - in fact, it turns out the most enthusiastic Pokémon Go players are adults who grew up in the 90s playing the video games, swapping the trading cards, and watching the cartoons, which means they have a real soft spot for all things Pokémon.

Remarkably, whole communities are being built around this game ... thousands of like-minded players are meeting at landmarks to play together and share in the Pokémon Trainer experience.

Ultimately, Pokémon Go is a fun gaming experience that you can share with your kids. So go on, get outside and join the millions of other people around the world who are revelling in this exciting new gaming technology.

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